Blepharoplasty Overview

Blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat tissue from the eye area.

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Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

• Physical exam
• Vision tests
• Examination of the eyelid and supporting structures

Leading up to your procedure, your doctor may recommend that you:

• Follow a special diet.
• Take certain medicines.
• Arrange to have someone drive you home. Also, arrange for someone to help you at home.

Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines (including herbal supplements) up to one week before the procedure, like:

• Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
• Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)

Anesthesia

You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around your eyes. Sedatives will be given to help you relax. In some cases, general anesthesia will be used. In this case, you will be asleep.

Description of the Procedure

Your doctor will make incisions in your eyelids. In the upper eyelid, the incision is usually made in the crease. In the lower eyelid, the incision is usually made either just below the lashes or on the inside of the eyelid. The excess fat will be removed. The excess skin and muscle will be trimmed. The incision will be closed with sutures.

How Long Will It Take?

60 minutes or more depending on the amount of skin and fat to be removed

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will minimize pain during the procedure. You may feel some tightness and soreness after the procedure.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

Your doctor will apply ointment. A bandage may be applied over your eyes.

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• You will receive instructions about restricting your activity. You may also be advised to avoid alcohol and certain medicines.
• Your doctor will likely recommend that you keep your head elevated for several days.
• You can use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising.
• Your doctor will show you how to clean your eyes and may recommend using ointment.
• You will be able to read and watch television after the procedure.
• You will not be able to wear contact lenses or participate in strenuous activity. Ask your doctor when you can resume your normal activities.
• Your stitches will likely be removed in 5-7 days.
• Since you may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants, <a href="http://www.ticketwatches.com">cheap replica watches</a> your doctor may recommend sunglasses and a special sun block for your eyelids.

After about six months, your scars will most likely fade to a nearly invisible white line. The results of a blepharoplasty are permanent. Your doctor may still be able to do extra surgery as indicated or desired. Sometimes, blepharoplasty is combined with another procedure called canthopexy. This is used to improve the shape and positioning of the lower eyelid. Blepharoplasty may also be done with ptosis repair. This is the repair of the upper eyelid muscle to correct drooping of the upper eyelid.

RESOURCES:

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
http://www.surgery.org/

US Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/

Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/

References:

Aging eyes. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery website. Available at: http://www.asds-net.org/Patients/FactSheets/patients-FactSheet-agingeyelids.html . Accessed February 28, 2007.

Blepharoplasty. American Society of Plastic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures/Blepharoplasty.cfm?CFID=72759379&CFTOKEN=79245372 . Accessed February 28, 2007.

Nahai F. The Art of Aesthetic Surgery: Principles and Techniques. St. Louis, MO: Quality Medical Publishers; 2005.